Unit 9 · Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry

Chapter 9.2

Gibbs Free Energy, Thermodynamic Favorability, and Kinetic Control

Diamond should turn into graphite and every log should burst into flame, thermodynamically speaking. Free energy tells you the direction nature prefers; it says nothing about how long the wait is.

in preparation · lesson 42 of 45

By the end

  1. 01Compute a standard free energy change from enthalpy and entropy or from free energies of formation
  2. 02Judge whether a process is thermodynamically favored and over which temperature range
  3. 03Use the signs of enthalpy and entropy changes to predict favorability without calculating
  4. 04Explain why a favored reaction may not proceed measurably, and why that is not equilibrium

In unit 9

  1. 9.1Entropy: How Matter and Energy Spread Out
  2. 9.2Gibbs Free Energy, Thermodynamic Favorability, and Kinetic Control
  3. 9.3Free Energy, Equilibrium, Dissolution, and Coupled Reactions
  4. 9.4Galvanic and Electrolytic Cells: Voltage from Free Energy
  5. 9.5Cells Away from Standard Conditions, and Electrolysis
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